Bhubaneswar: The festival of lights- Diwali is here. On this day, houses are decorated with lights as well as flowers and colourful rangolis. It falls on the day of amavasya or new moon in the Hindu month of Kartik. This year it will be celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm on October 24 (Monday).
According to mythology, the annual festival of Diwali celebrates the victory of the King of Ayodhya, Lord Rama, over the demon king Ravana of the kingdom of Lanka. Diwali is the day when Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lakshman, and Lord Hanuman returned to Ayodhya, after 14 years of exile.
As per the legend, the kingdom of Ayodhya had lit up with earthen lamps or diyas, with people rejoicing and celebrating the return of Lord Rama. The Kingdom of Ayodhya was lit up with earthen lamps, and people decorated their houses with diyas, rejoicing and celebrating the homecoming of Lord Rama.
For some, it stands for the return of Pandavas after 12 years of vanvas and a year of agyatvas. However, for many, the festival is associated with the story of Yama and Nachiketa on Kartika Amavasya. It narrates the tale of true wealth, knowledge, and right versus wrong. This is considered one of the main reasons why Diwali is celebrated as the festival of prosperity, wisdom, and light.
In the eastern regions of India, Diwali is the time of the year when they celebrate the victory of Kali over demons.
